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Welsh practices to receive a 1.5% funding uplift

GPC Wales have agreed a 1.5% uplift in practice funding for 2013/14, after the Welsh Government rejected the higher pay rise recommended by the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB).

The DDRB recommended a 2.29% practice funding uplift for 2013/14, which was rejected by the Welsh Government, but they did agree a higher uplift than the 1.32% uplift given to GPs in England.

GPC Wales chairman Dr David Bailey warned that although the situation was better in Wales than in England, some practices would see a drop in profits.

He said: ‘Some practices will face losses. It’s a better award than in England, where the offer is appalling. But we wanted the DDRB’s recommended 2.29%. That’s exactly what I’ve told the minister of health.

‘We always wanted to stick with an independent evaluation of what was needed. DDRB has confirmed our need on that. Even though they were made aware of all the policy constraints, they took account of the pressures on Welsh GPs.

‘I commend them for not being bullied by the Government. Unfortunately, the DDRB is advisory and the Government can - and has- chosen to ignore them.’

In January GPC Wales negotiated a deal with the Government which notably threw out plans to abolish MPIG over seven years, as is the case in England. This will be reviewed in future, but this year practices will still receive correction factor payments.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Government said: ‘The Welsh Government reached agreement with the General Practitioners Committee Wales on changes to the GP contract for 2013/14 in January 2013. The negotiated settlement with GPC Wales included an increase in current levels of investment in general practice by 1.5% which allows for an average pay increase of up to 1% for GPs and practice staff for 2013/14, in line with public sector pay policy, and a margin of 0.5% for increases in non staff expenses, but that consideration would be given to recommendations from Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) on the GP uplift for pay and expenses for 2013/14.’

‘The DDRB has recommended a 2.29% increase in GP pay and expenses for 2013/14. The Welsh Government has considered carefully whether the agreed 1.5% uplift in GP pay and expenses can be revised in light of the DDRB recommendation. However, given the current economic conditions, together with the changes agreed to the GMS contract for 2013/14, the Welsh Government believes the 1.5% uplift for GP pay and expenses to be as fair as possible, in all the circumstances and therefore no revision to the agreed uplift of 1.5% can be provided.’

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